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#1
10th July 2008, 02:22 PM
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Evaluate your least favorite album
So this post is inspired by two other posts, first the evaluate your favorite album post, and second, the rank the albums post.
The point is, listen to you least favorite Ayu album carefully, and try and discover what you don't like about it. My least favorite album is MY STORY, and it has been since MY STORY first came out. I had to ask myself why, because there are many tracks that I love on the album - the singles were strong, and some of the album tracks are great. Well, for starters, yes it's shallow, but the covers are ugly to me. I even own two versions of it; both are better than the regular cover, but they are still ugly. It looks more like an ad you'd see in Las Vegas than an album cover. Second, many songs have a similar feel or tempo one right after another, which bores my ear after a while. I prefer listening to this album on shuffle. Third, I think it's too long. One or two tracks could have been removed since they are too similar to other stronger tracks. Track by track: 1. Catcher in the Light This little interlude was nice as an opening track for the album. Ayu's la la la... is pleasant and the track builds nicely. I could have done without the last set of guitar riffs though. (8/10) 2. About You When I first heard this, all I could think of was GAME pt. 2. The arrangement is similar to GAME, with loud guitars on the chorus. It's a good song, and the lyrics are wonderful, but the heavy guitar played over the melody in parts of the song gets to me. (7/10) 3. GAME I loved this song when it was on the Inspire single. I was really happy Ayu was doing another rock style song. The problem on MY STORY is that it comes right after About You. Two songs with heavy guitar played over a pop melody is tiring. On top of that Catcher in the Light also has similarly loud guitar parts. I like guitar, but I wish these songs weren't right next to each other. I still love the last part a lot though, where she says "Iite, kitto..."  (8/10)4. my name's WOMEN Great lyrics and message, but I have a love/hate relationship with the pounding synthesizer at the beginning of (and throughout) the song. Right now would be a hate moment. (7/10) 5. WONDERLAND I actually love this, because it's creepy and it finally gives my ears a break from the loud pounding noises present in the last four songs. It also means that we are getting into the part of the album I like best! But it feels a bit out of place - the first time I heard it, I didn't know what to think! (8/10) 6. Liar The harpsicord style keyboard in this song is really awesome! Also, even though the distorted guitars are back, they are used much more melodically than in either About You or GAME. When I first heard this album, this song didn't really stick out to me. Now it's one of my favorites because there is so much going on musically. (9/10) 7. HOPE or PAIN I like that Ayu's vocals are features over the guitars for the most part on this song, but over all it is pretty forgetable in the course of the album both lyrically and musically because the beat is what I would call "plodding." (7/10) 8. HAPPY ENDING This was another song that I overlooked when this album came out, but that is now one of my favorites, thanks to AT'05. It seems like the better cousin of HOPE or PAIN to me, because the beat and lyrical content are similar. This one is more laid back though, and it's the first full song that doesn't feature overpowering guitar distortion. (9/10) 9. Moments Hands down one of Ayu's best ballads. It has absolutely beautiful lyrics and a great melody. I have no complaint here, except that the beat for the last two songs is awfully similar to the beginning of Moments, so listening casually, even a great song like Moments almost gets lost in the mix. (10/10) 10. walking proud Another great song with great lyrics and a great melody. The one problem? It comes right after Moments, and the two songs are similar. When I'm listening closely, this song is great. When I'm listening casually, everything sounds the same!  (9/10)11. CAROLS Beautiful piano ballad. It was good single, and it's nice here - the strings and piano are a relief to my ears! (9/10) 12. Kaleidoscope Kind of forgettable interlude. (6/10) 13. INSPIRE FINALLY SOMETHING DIFFERENT! This song is one of Ayu's most original tracks, and I love it on MY STORY even though I didn't care much for it as a single. It's like someone finally gave me a breath of fresh air... the song has an awesome melody, and a really cool keyboard organ. It's just so cool! (10/10) 14. HONEY Hmm, this is different too. Ayu proves that her cutesy nasal voice is still there if she wants to use it, although it doesn't have that same squeak it used to. The song's a bit sugary for my tastes, but because it also adds variety to the album, I've grown to appreciate it. (8/10) 15. Replace The song has a great message, but it's nothing special musically. Also, the strange computerized voice used throughout is annoying. I will admit that it's better in AT'05 though. (7/10) 16. winding road This song is better than Replace musically, but because it is placed after Replace, it doesn't sound as good as it could. If you listen to it in shuffle, it's actually a really nice song. It progresses nicely into the chorus. I like the lyrics, and the bridge is nice. (9/10) 17. Humming 7/4 This song is fun, and it's the typical way that Ayu ends an album. However, it's a bit jarring to hear right after the more relaxed winding road, which sounds like it could be the end of the album. I like it though. (9/10) Overall score: 7/10 (not an average, because the flow of the album hurts the score A LOT). What could be better? Axe HOPE or PAIN and Replace (and maybe even Kaleidoscope) and change the track order to prevent my ears from getting tired! So, now tell me what's good and bad with your least favorite album! 
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#2
10th July 2008, 02:52 PM
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1st of all I'm real surprised that you rated MY STORY as your least fave ayumi album bcos that's the very 1st album I heard of her .
anyway , I listened to Duty onwards . It's quite hard to pick an album that I don't really like of her as each presents a different music direction of her . Not sure if Memorial address EP's counted in the pic as I realise I listened to that EP the least amount of times . Reason being the consistency of the album's not there . If not , then I probably pick I am ... as my least fave because there're too many trance/dance no.s going on in there & I'm not really big on such tunes to begin with somemore some parts of the album are samey & I could deal with less ballads like A Song is born
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#3
10th July 2008, 03:40 PM
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I am...
The album that has been fan-favorites is actually well, my least favorite album. Not because the songs suck, in fact, some of my favorite songs are from this album! 01 I am... The album open with the title track; an appacella at that. While Ayu's vocals sound so strong and powerful in this track, there's just something about that does not appeal to me. Call me weird or whatever, but I always have a urge to skip this track when I listen to the album... Rating: 6/10 02 opening Run opening Run is a very short interlude, and is, to me, the official start of the album (because I am... was just an introduction/prelude to me). The interlude is meant to introduce the next few fast-paced songs but it is ironically pretty slow-paced itself. Cool track nevertheless. Props for the smooth slow to Connected, the next song. Rating: 7.5/10 03 Connected Connected is a trance track that I personally like a lot, though it does not have anything special to me. The beat is very cool and I just love it. My body shivers every time Ayu hits those super high notes in the chorus. Sadly, the song is a mere 3:20 long... Rating: 8/10 04 UNITE! UNITE! is one of my favorites from Ayu and I'm sure we all know how the song flows... so there's not much to elaborate... Rating: 10/10 05 evolution evolution is another fan-favorite that I like, but not love. The sad thing is UNITE! and evolution are so similar in instrumentation and arrangement, PLUS they are placed one after another! So, sometimes it's very annoying to hear evolution just after UNITE!... I get confused sometimes. And two songs back to back with Ayu's high pitching in the chorus might be painful at times. Still a very nice song though. Rating: 9/10 06 Naturally Naturally goes back to the trance in Connected, but in a more laid-back manner. The verses are pretty unique, in that one line is Ayu, and the next is Ayu in a vocoder or something. The song, however, kicks off to power in the chorus. The trance beats at the back sound even more memorable and kick-a$$ than Connected. However, while the beats are memorable... the song itself isn't that memorable. Rating: 8/10 07 NEVER EVER One of my favorite songs and one of my favorites tracks in this album. NEVER EVER opens with a weird sounding thing that seems to suck you into the "anti-gravity" world of NEVER EVER... Ayu sounds frail, weak, afraid, timid... in this depressing song. You can tell the sorrow in her voice, yet the song doesn't lose its wrath in the chorus and the awesome guitar solo in the bridge! Full of emotions, is the best fit for NEVER EVER. Rating: 10/10 08 still alone still alone is a ballad, but a unique one. It's not your typical piano+strings+drumset song... it's more of a "techno ballad". Ayu hits the high notes in the chorus that seem to drag on forever... still alone is good to listen to once in a while, but having to listen to it often is... painful, no offense. Rating: 8/10 09 Daybreak Ah, when I first typed this post, I actually forgot about Daybreak! Just shows how much I don't like this song... and the album. Well, Daybreak in I am... is more trance and active... the song starts with distorted synth beats and breaks into a mix of music. The song softens again as Ayu starts the verses. The latter part of the song has an interesting break: The bridge goes louder and louder until it reaches a climax, and then goes to a General Pause, which Ayu continues with the chorus... that's the only memorable part of the song to me. Rating: 6/10 10 taskinlude Ah, tasuku's first interlude for Ayu turns out to be worst for me. taskinlude is weird to be tactful. It opens with a choir full of clashing notes, and the bells... making everything sound distorted; I do get the message behind this though. Just that... I'm not feeling this "mess" of taskinlude... Artistic? I beg to differ. And the fact that it comes before the best song of the album is just an insult to it. Rating: 5/10 11 M M, as I have mentioned, is what I think as the best song in I am... The song is complicated; yet the lyrics are simple. It is ironic, yet beautiful. The emotional hymn to Maria is really touching and gets into my heart all the time... Kudos to Ayu's amazing composing, as heard by the guitar solo (and in NEVER EVER too as well) as well. M, is of course, one of Ayu's masterpieces. 12. a song is born a song is born is a beautiful ballad at the very least. Inspired by 911, it's obviously a very emotional song. The lyrics are simple yet straight-forward: cherish life, love everyone. The song starts laid-back and the verses are laid-back. But be taken aback at the chorus, for Ayu hits the super-high notes and gets all emotional. But, as with still alone, it is painful to listen to it very often. Rating: 7/10 13 Dearest Ah, Dearest, a classic Ayu ballad. Dearest starts with a soft piano and Ayu's gentle voice... The song is overall good, though once again the refrain of the chorus at the end is... jarring at times. Rating: 9/10 14 no more words no more words is underrated and I really don't see why. It's one of the theme songs for the Inuyasha movie (I think) and it is a good song. This ballad, unlike most of the others, isn't screechy and all, so it's actually pleasant. The song starts with a choir/female voice, humming beautiful notes... telling us the morose of everything. The strings then literally explode as the dynamic contrast leaves me wanting for more. Ayu's voice sounds awesome and powerful. The lyrics are very touching as well. Rating: 9/10 15 Endless sorrow ~gone with the wind ver.~ This mix of Endless sorrow is more mellow than the original mix. Ayu's voice also sounds more refined... though the original mix has more of an 'OOMPH!' to it, the remix here is not bad actually. The mellow sound seems to tell us that Life ends... silently and beautifully. The album starts with I am..., strong and powerful, and ends with this, mellow and soft. Is this what Life is? When we are a baby, we are crying and making noise, when we are old and die, we just go... just like that, without a sound. Rating: 9/10 16/Secret track flower garden about 30-45 seconds after Endless sorrow, a cool "popping", distorted guitar riff kicks in. Yes, that's the secret track, flower garden. flower garden is fun, relaxing and happy. It is the opposite of M: flower garden sounds happy yet its lyrics seem a little upset, while M sounds sad, yet the lyrics are simple, and faithful at that... Appearance and reality? I believe Ayu wants us to see this too. In any case, flower garden is an interesting song, with the little cool instrumentation in the middle; the guitars entering the left speak, and leaving and going to the right speaker, and then going to both makes the whole feel so ethereal! A fantastic way to close this album! Rating: 10/10 Overall comments: I am... may contain super good songs like NEVER EVER, UNITE!, M etc, but the abundance of lackluster songs bring them down... Another downside was that for most of the ballads (M, Dearest, a song is born), Ayu goes to super high mode when the chorus repeats itself. Yes, it gives the song a big climax, but sometimes it sounds overdone and jarring. One good thing was that the theme of this album was very coherent; all of the songs follow a similar theme: Faith/Hope, Life. No matter how different each song sounds like, they go to that theme. I also love the calling of I am... and Endless sorrow, one at the beginning, one at the end. It makes the album sound very complete. An overrated album that has a good theme and packaging, but the songs are disappointing. Well, most of the album. Remember kids! (LOL) Just because an album has stellar hits (evolution, M, Dearest), it doesn't mean the whole album would be perfect! Overall rating: 7/10 Songs that you must listen: UNITE!/evolution (depends on you), NEVER EVER, M, Dearest, no more words, Endless sorrow (both the original and the remix). Songs that you MIGHT want to skip: I am..., Daybreak. Please do not take offense to what I've written, as I understand that I am... is a fan favorite and I'm doing something bold by saying that I dislike this album the most...
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#4
10th July 2008, 03:46 PM
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^ don't worry Jun Xiang , you're not the only 1 who doesn't like I am ... outta the whole lot of albums that ayumi has put out
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#5
10th July 2008, 04:58 PM
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Quote:
Ironically, I am... was my first Ayu album and is still one of my top albums by her to this day. I think what you heard first can shape opinions a lot. Quote:
Anyway, this is fun, I hope to see more posts!
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#6
10th July 2008, 07:09 PM
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Quote:
for me I'm lucky that MY STORY was the 1st album I heard from ayumi although by right I consider Secret to be the 1st proper album I have heard . having said that , some of the songs on MY STORY didn't sit well with me especially with tracks like walking proud & don't get me started on the weird PV to the song -_-
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#8
10th July 2008, 07:41 PM
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This is not because GUILTY is her worst album for me, it’s because it has the least amount of songs that I actually like. I'll keep this short and sweet.
GUILTY Mirror - The album opens up with a bang. Deep and profound lyrics are a plus, and make this easily one of her best preludes. 5/5 (Don't) Leave Me Alone - The first full track is a surprisingly good one. Distorted guitars and catchy melody with other instruments twinkling in the background make for a good song. Downside is that it can sometimes get tiring. 9/10 Talkin' 2 Myself - First Single. Oh boy! Of course this is a great song. You and I both know it. It can be a little intimidating at first listen, but showcases just how powerful Ayu's lyrics and vocals are. Keyboard intro is really interesting as well. 10/10 Decision - Pretty much a slightly more toned down T2M, Decision is no less powerful. Only problem: a loud rock song shouldn't have been right after a loud rock song. 8/10 GUILTY - Title track. Pretty cool drums and eeire atmosphere may remind you of of mist and something that's a little too hidden to find in this fog. 7/10 Fated - Finally a ballad! Fated delivers...and cool use of instruments really bring out the atmosphere in this lovely song. Vocals could have been slightly stronger, but I'm not complaining. 9/10 Together When... - This is actually a good case of: a ballad right after a ballad. Together When...is a lovely song with meaningful lyrics and a penchant for helping you go to sleep. Lovely piano, anyway. 9/10 Marionette - Prelude - Do NOT listen to this at night! Creepy atmosphere ala Wonderland make for a scary experience. Downside is: it's a little simplistic. 4/5 Marionette - One of her best recent songs, Marionette is a creepy ballad jumpfest with an awesome melody and great lyrics to boot. Great music video, and you got yourself a deal. LISTEN TO IT!!! 10/10 The Judgement Day - Oookaay...another interlude? Anyway, this interlude is certainly interesting. Scary at first, and suddenly, it turns into a fashion runway dance party. Oh, well. it certainly sets the mood for the next song...4/5 Glitter - Ah! I KNEW there would be her definitive summer song! Cheery beat and use of bubblegum instruments and synth make for happy happy dance dance song. Don't worry, you'll turn into a zombified listener after being brainwashed by it. 10/10 MY ALL - Another cheery song! Or wait...wow! Mature lyrics!!! Great song, but at times...a little too cheery...Mommy, I'm scared. 9/10 Rebirth - Okay, this is ridiculous!!!! ANOTHER INTERLUDE!? Calm down, Donovon, calm down. Yes...listen to the soothing rythym and harmonizing melody of Rebirth. 5/5 Untitled ~for Her~ - Beautiful ballad for ending an Ayu album? is this the Ayu we know and love? As I said, beautiful ballad, but at times...neh...9/10 GUILTY is a great attempt, but it should have been worked upon a little bit more. If you're going to put 4 interludes in one album, buffer up the tracklist! Heck, get rid of Mirror and stick Mirrorcle World in there!!! Great album, Ayumi, but not as memorable as the others. 8/10
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#9
10th July 2008, 08:37 PM
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MY STORY and I am... (and GUILTY in some ways) are actually my least favorite albums.
 Which is weird because MY STORY was once my favorite album and I am... was my second CD ever from Ayu and I thought it was pretty good.  But I don't have time to write a review. I'll edit this later to do it. 
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#10
10th July 2008, 08:57 PM
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^^Haha.. Me neither.
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#11
10th July 2008, 09:29 PM
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Secret
1. Not yet - It was a pretty decent opening, it kept my hopes up for the album (sadly >.>), kinda reminded me of My Story ^^. 7.5/10 2. until that day... - I was so happy when I heard this song, really energetic, pretty powerful so I was really satisfied thus far. 8.5/10 3. Startin' - Okay to be honest, this song was just whatever at first but now I love it, despite it's rock elements there's something else about it that I can't pin point. 9/10 4. 1 Love - This was the typical 'Ayu rock song with the freaky/weird PV' and heck I love these since she does em so well, not her best but it's a pretty great song. 8/10 Spoiler:
5. It was - Too generic, weak I felt. It didn't do anything for me. 3/10 6. LABYRINTH - Decent interlude. 6/10 7. JEWEL - Like many others, at first it was lack luster but it has grown on me, it's a great ballad with strong lyrics. 8.5/10 8. momentum - One of this album's best songs IMO, it can't measure up to M (comparing em cause they're around the same style I think) but it's bitter sweet and Ayu does that well too so... 9/10 9. taskinst - For tasuku I thought this one totally blew, this guy's previous stuff was pretty great but for this album... fail. 5/10 10. Born to Be... - Booooring song, nice lyrics but frankly, they feel recycled xD It's way better on AT06. 5.5/10 11. Beautiful Fighters - =_= I love Ayu's girl power songs except for this one. 2/10 Spoiler:
12. BLUE BIRD - Hands down Ayu's best Summer song  (IMO of course) 8.5/1013. kiss o' kill - This one is so irritating because it's one that could've been so great but it lacked that extra push. It had that hard element but lacked the edge, powerful vocals in it but weak presentation. Still a great song though. 7/10 14. Secret - Ending song, leaves you feeling miserable if you're sensitive xD I LOVE IT! Honestly her best song in this album. 10/10 Sure my numbers are all over but hey, this album was a mess! xD It had a pretty strong opening, but after It Was, it slowly went downhill. Overall, Secret has some good songs, but it's the weak ones and the fact that it felt so unrefined that makes it my least favourite album (thus far, still haven't heard her 1st 2 xD; ). It's really no surprise that she made GUILTY. So yeah, Secret is an unrefined version of GUILTY. Average is 7/10 but I think it's more of a... 6.5/10 @Waterballoon : I know what you mean xD It's my 2nd fave just because of great songs, but the transitions of the songs don't flow so smoothly. Last edited by Ani_C; 10th July 2008 at 09:34 PM.
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#12
10th July 2008, 09:31 PM
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Hey! SECRET was GREAT! Oh, well. to each his own! ^^
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#13
10th July 2008, 10:30 PM
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Okay this is going to be hard for me. I generally go through and find things I like about each of her albums and try not to let a personal bias (different taste in music than the style she does on said album) stand in my way... So, hmm... Let's see.
I feel bad for picking this album because I have a feeling that many Ayu fans really don't like it and people who post in this thread will say it's theirs, too.. I still think it's a good record and I've actually come to love it a lot more over time, but I have some technical criticisms to give. A Song for XX I know this was her debut release onto the music scene so it couldn't be TOO wild or crazy, and I'm willing to accept that and let that pass. However, I'm judging this as a piece of work and I can't say I enjoy it all that much, even if I enjoy many songs on it - as a whole I think the record is a little disappointing. 1. Prologue - A nice, feathery-soft introduction track. I enjoy the style because it makes me think of morning, when the sun is just coming up over the horizon. However there's not much I feel I can say about it as it's just... well, a pop prologue that's short, dreamy and nice to hear. I like how nicely it goes into the next track, which also starts off soft. Rating: 5/10. I mean yeah, it's nice but there's not much to it, is there? 2. A Song for ×× - This is one of my favorite Ayu songs ever, both its earlier "pop" version (this one) and the later, revised "rock" one from A BALLADS. I think it's a lovely song to start off the album as it reveals so much and yet so little at the same time. If any song on ASFXX (the album) can be said to be autobiographical, I'd believe it to be this one. I love how the song is tinged with melancholy even though it picks up a steady beat - the string instruments softly crying up over the drums and the piano, and how softly Ayu is singing. I just love how it builds and grows, and Ayu's voice gets stronger as if she's really believing in what she's saying or she's eager to impress upon the listener the depth behind what she's singing. It's very lovely.... However I think this is where the album stops from being "Really good so far" to "Meep" D: Rating: 10/10 3. Hana - Can I just say how I hate how this song starts off? x_x It's so... NINETIES POP MUSIC UGH. And not even late 90's, it's so... like, 1989/1990. I can just see someone in zubas and spandex and rolled up woolen white socks dancing away to this on MTV and oh dear lord, it pains me. The composition is really what throws me off on this song, which bothers me to death because I actually really like the words and the Acoustic Orchestra version of it is SO GOOD. Once the song gets going though, I find I don't mind it so much but I just can't get over how it starts. I think if the song didn't have that fake "brass instrument section" thing it would be so much better D: I wish there was a way I could edit it out and thus enjoy the song... Rating: 5/10. I just can't stand that damn brass instrument thing x_x It gets bonus points for the guitar solo though 4. FRIEND - In contrast to Hana I actually like how this song starts off - until the beat comes in. I liked the spacey/dreamy feel the song was building. Still, once Ayu starts singing it's easy to forget about that and actually listen to the song. For a "slower" song - dare I say an almost-ballad? - it's really not so bad. It's still sweet and enjoyable, not slow enough to be 'boring' and Ayu's vocals aren't grating - they actually fit the music nicely. I actually think I prefer the music to be subdued because it makes it a little easier to listen to. Rating: 7/10 5. FRIEND II - The introduction to this reminds me so much of another Ayu song and it totally drives me crazy because I can't think of it... Anyway, as an 'upbeat' counter to the previous track I think FRIEND II is okay - I mean it achieves its purpose of being more pop-y and upbeat but I think I prefer the slow pace of the previous track. I also liked it because Ayu didn't strain her vocals like she does in this one, which I think maybe she had to do to keep pace with the song - as a result I think the track suffers a little. ... Sitting here and listening to it though, I can't say it sucks. It doesn't. It just doesn't grab me and that's what a lot of my problem is with ASFXX. The only track I really felt moved by so far was the eponymous track, which started off the record, but so far it's kind of been a series of mildly interesting songs. Maybe that's just because I know which song is coming up next and I just love it too much :3 Rating: 5/10. Doesn't go anywhere and her vocals are a little strained, but it's still okay to listen to. Nothing special, though, but I like it. 6. poker face - I almost wish this went right after A Song for ××! It's just so gooooooood. Even if it starts off, again, with the whole "90's pop song" feel I don't mind in the slightest - it WORKS so well with this song. Even if it sounds cheesy or outdated I can't help but be totally engrossed in it. I think most of that has to do with the words: it's such a personal, vulnerable and beautiful song that reminds me of a letter you'd write to someone you trust or a journal entry you'd write, knowing no one else would ever see it. It also has the most catchy chorus ever! I seriously can't stop singing along to it whenever it comes on - or when it gets stuck in my head (which is frequently). The song isn't without flaws, though. Ayu's soft voice often has to struggle against the music, which results once more in a strain. It isn't screechy though which is what I like about this record in comparison to her other releases: the music isn't loud enough to drown her out, and her soft voice is actually very sweet and pretty. When the music on her records got progressively louder and heavier, then would Ayu have to screech. Rating: 10/10 ~ 7. Wishing - I get this and Present confused all the time and I have no freakin' clue why. For the first ballad thus far on ASFXX I have to say I'm not... particularly moved. I've listened to far too many US/Western pop acts have ballads like this when I was a kid  so it's really nothing special to me. As a result, the song feels a little 'lacking'. I know it's supposed to be slow and the song's purpose is to move you, not 'shake' you - but I don't feel it. I guess this is where not understanding Japanese fluently interferes with enjoying the song, as I'm sure this is probably very pretty if you can fully understand her.I think this song is a little too challenging for her vocals in their state at the time of recording. I think it would be a lovely song if it were used for, say, her Duty or even I am... records (though obviously their styles would be totally different musically speaking) if only because of how her vocals would have changed. Rating: 3/10. I'd hate to say that this song bores me, but it does just that She has some really gorgeous ballads but this just isn't one of them.8. YOU - Okay I love this song, so I might be biased with evaluating it XD. Just like with poker face and A Song for ×× I like how it starts off - I like how it's in the same vein as FRIEND but still manages to be a somber and sweet song despite the somewhat upbeat melody. I like the acoustic guitar and the piano, too - and I can actually hear the bass clearly! XD I can NEVER hear the bass in pop songs! Still, I think this is another song that would be better suited for Ayu a little later in her career - her vocals aren't really up to par with the song's demands, IMHO. Through the verses it's fine but the chorus shows the strain and makes it a little annoying. I absolutely love the later parts of the song where you can hear many voices singing along with Ayu - I think it's so gorgeous *_* Rating: 8/10 9. As if... - I actually don't even know what this song sounds like, though I've listened to it 3 times previously (according to iTunes D . I like how the song misleads you, starting off with a piano and soft melody before it picks up into the stock 90's cheese. I don't think it sounds bad so far, though... it's actually a little cute, in the same feel as FRIEND and YOU.What I like about is that you can hear the hints of the style she'll use on LOVEppears - doesn't this just sound like something that would be on that record? Sure, it'd be tweaked a little bit to fit the dance/techno theme of the songs, but it just SCREAMS LOVEppears to me. I think my only complaint is that it's really long. O_o it's the longest track on the record and it's not even a ballad! What's up with that... However I like how Ayu does her (now) trademark "lalala" at the end Rating: 9/10. I like how the guitar picks up over the beats and the little tinkling melodies - it adds a nice touch to a song that would otherwise be a little unremarkable. 10. POWDER SNOW - I'll probably be biased with this, too, because I absolutely LOVE this song.  Even if the music reminds me, again, of ballads I heard on the radio as a child, there's just something about this song that sets it apart so totally. It's an even more fragile and tender song than poker face and A Song for ××: Ayu even sounds weak and a little hurt in the song. This is one of the songs where her unpolished vocals actually work to great effect as it fits the 'style' of the song and only adds to the emotional impact. Listening to this song just makes me feel really.. cold and lost (although my AC did just turn on).I love how the beat picks up half way through the song. It creates this slow, steady gallop as if the person in the song is having to push on despite it all. It also has an interesting guitar solo - hell I forgot there were even GUITARS in this song O_o! Rating: 10/10. Though I'm tempted to knock points off for how she kinda flubbed what would have been a nice high note. 11. Trust - I remember the way this song starts off so well~. The first record I got that was Ayu's was A BEST, and I remember how I was surprised at how (again) 90's and cheesy this song sounded. Still, something stuck by me and the more I listened the more I started to enjoy the way her voice would kind of rise and fall with the beat, how it would lead to a REALLY catchy chorus that made me want to sing along. I still feel this way about the song even now. The strain in Ayu's voice is evident in this song unlike the others, though, because of how often it requires her to test the limits of her range. I also like that the music for the verses is this nice, slow beat almost as if it's building steam for how fast the chorus goes by. Rating: 7.5/10. 12. Depend on you - Listening to the original version makes me like the 10th anniversary edition a little better, tbqh. This song suffers from what Hana did, in my opinion. It could have been a good song but it's just that ******* brass instrument thing they use lol. I know it's not actual brass instruments, but it's either supposed to sound like it or it's some stupid pop embellishment that seriously ruins any song for me. However, I think this song features some of Ayu's best singing, so it's not entirely horrible. Plus there's some great remixes made out of it. Rating: 6.5/10. 13. For my Dear... - Ah. I think Ayu's vocals ruin this song a bit. I actually really like the music and think it's a lot more interesting than Wishing but.. why the hell did they have Ayu sing so high? It would've worked better if she stayed soft and quiet because it just sounds so horribly out of sync with the music itself. When she's not trying to reach for high notes I think she fits the song better - there are parts of For my Dear... that I honestly think are beautiful. I like how the music builds, slowly, around 1:56 - it's like what Ayu's saying is just ready to come bursting out. Actually, from 1:56 onward I really like the song because Ayu straining to hit higher notes doesn't sound as bad if the music is louder. It's not that she's drowned out (because she isn't) it's just that I think such singing suits a song that goes by faster and louder than a ballad. Rating: 6/10. 14. SIGNAL - Okay if I thought Hana was unbearable it's nothing to what I think of this song  . IT'S. THAT'S. BRASS. THING. AGAIN. WHY? WHYYYYYYYYY? It sounds so tacky and stupid! I don't even know if this song would be good without it since I can't pay attention to the music, just that stupid noise fjkdsla.The chorus is catchy despite my utter dislike for the music, but even then, that can't redeem it. Sorry, SIGNAL, but... :\ Rating: 2/10. 15. from your letter - This reminds me of something from LOVEppears as well... it's actually a cool, different melody and a nice reprieve from SIGNAL. I like how Ayu sings - soft and steady, keeping pace with the beat and the music. When she gets to the chorus I love what she does - she still goes higher but it's not screechy! It's still soft and I seriously wish she had tried this for her other songs where hitting high notes didn't work out well for her. Rating: 7/10. The song is a little dull for me, but I still like it - it's a nice 'winding down' track. 16. Present - I don't know how the hell I confused Wishing with this O_o. I'm just so unimpressed with this song because once again there's that ******* brass noise that ruins everything it ever touches. I don't think the song would be a good one without it, though. It doesn't really do much, you know? It has elements of being soft and pretty but seems like it's trying to straddle the line between 'pop' and 'ballad' and just kind of lands in a gray area in between. Rating: 1/10. Counting it all up.... okay my maths must be wrong because for some reason it came out to a 10.1 (adding up each rating and then dividing by 10 as the highest score O_o). Anyway! I'd give this album a 6/10, to be honest. It has some great tracks and some really nice lyrics in most of the songs, but it suffers here and there. Still, listening to the album as I evaluated it made me realize just how much I like a lot of the songs on here - it's really not that bad 
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Last edited by Bad Wolf; 10th July 2008 at 10:39 PM.
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#14
11th July 2008, 12:29 AM
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RAINBOW
1. everlasting dream (5/5) This is probably one of her best intros, and it really builds expectations for the rest of the album. Unfortunately (for me, at least) the majority of the disc doesn't carry on with this dreamy/electronic feel. 2. WE WISH (2/5) It's alright, but I find it a bit obnoxious. She really squeals the chorus, and I don't think this song flatters her vocally. The verses are decent, but the whole thing reminds of those kitschy pop bands that popped up in the US around the year 2000, and I can never really look past that. 3. Real me (4/5) It's really catchy, and it has a great message. Musically, it's still not quite my style, but that amazing hook in the chorus makes up for it. Also, I think the PV really "makes" this song. 4. Free & Easy (3/5) The first time I heard this, I really hated it because of that loud bit that comes out of nowhere. I had my headphones turned way up because the beginning is really loud, and then WHAM! After seeing the PV, the song grew on me a little, but it's still not one of my favorites. 5. Heartplace (5/5) One of my standouts for sure. Everything about it just "works" for me, and I love how she sounds on the chorus. Her English isn't perfect, but that's just part of the charm. I think this should be played live more often. 6. Over (3.5/5) It's nice enough, but not much really goes on. I do like her vocals, though (especially when she whisper-sings "it's over..."). All in all, a pretty decent, middle-of-the-road track. 7. HANABI (5/5) One of her most definitive and classic ballads. The opening with the distorted music box is superb, and I love how the chorus seems to "bloom." I always wonder why there wasn't a PV made for this when there was for HANABI ~episode II~. 8. taskinillusion (5/5) One of Tasuku's best among his great interludes. Like the intro, I wish there were more of these types of sounds on the album! 9. everywhere nowhere (3.5/5) Another track that just doesn't really move me. It's not bad, but it doesn't floor me either. I like the spoken intro and how she exaggerates her vibrato (that started with this album, didn't it?). 10. July 1st (4/5) I used to skip this track all the time, since I don't really like her "super-happy" major-key songs (and that's not just for Ayu, I tend not to like that style in general), but it's probably grown on me the most out of any song on this album. I like the delicate melody on the verses and how it contrasts with the "in your face-ness" of the chorus. 11. Dolls (4.5/5) Another winner ballad. I used to like this A LOT, but I've fallen a bit out of love with it over time. I think it sounds better on A BALLADS (same with HANABI), which is where I usually listen to it. 12. neverending dream (3/5) Not as good as "everlasting dream" by a long shot. It's just kind of "there" and a bit boring. 13. Voyage (4/5) Like "Dolls," this is a very formal-sounding ballad, but it takes the opposite mood. I like the strings on this, and her vocals are really good. In her earlier days, Mariah Carey might have killed for this arrangement. 14. Close to you (1/5) Sorry Ayumi, I just don't care. Everything about this is forgettable and uninspired. In fact, I never can remember anything about it. 15. independent (2.5/5) I used to hate this song with a burning passion and I never listened to it. However, like with "July 1st," it's gradually grown on me. I like how she sings the verses, and it's a good pick-up after all those slow ballads. I still find the chintzy handclaps and giggling off-putting, though, and I wish she'd stop playing this live so much. HIDDEN TRACK: + (1/5) Forgive me guys, but I find this really annoying. It just seems to be loud for the sake of being loud, a little like "flower garden." Neither hidden tracks should have been there, in my opinion, but at least this one doesn't spoil the mood of the album closer like "flower garden" does to "Endless sorrow." Overall rating: 3/5 It's not that I don't think Ayumi gave her all with this album, but that it doesn't suit my personal tastes. There just aren't as many tracks that I want to play again and again on this album, and there seems to be an overabundance of slow tracks and "peppy-poppy" songs. I also think it's a bit disappointing that this album came after the groundbreaking (and fantastic) "I am...," so I see why a lot of fans were divided when this first came out. I'm glad she went the direction she did with her next albums "Memorial address" and MY STORY instead of continuing her career in this style. Last edited by Northerner; 11th July 2008 at 06:24 PM.
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#15
11th July 2008, 01:51 AM
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What I think really bugs me, is the fact that they put (don't) Leave me alone, decision, talkin' 2 myself, and GUILTY all next to each other. These songs, for me, as I was away from AHS news and releases for a while, all really tired me out, and sounded all the same to me. Even fated right after those. Boring. Not only that, for all the interludes...there's none in between these tracks? Which just amplifies the feelings of sameness for all of them... Anyways...so... GUILTY Spoiler:
sorry...I was listening to each song as I wrote...it's a little long...you don't have to read it lol. I was trying to be a little more objective, and take into consideration the styles now, and in Japan, and what she was aiming for. I'm a little more understanding after listening to it all the way through again track after track, but it's still her worst album. Note: I did not take into consideration lyrics, one because, they're probably all awesome, and two, because I speak only English, they don't have as much bearing as the music itself. However, I will admit, that if I do really like lyrics, it can change my view of the song...but that doesn't really happen with Ayu's songs.
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☆ bunnnniiiieeeesssss ☆ - The "New Artists You're Trying Out" Thread - Last edited by emi♡; 11th July 2008 at 02:01 AM.
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#16
11th July 2008, 02:05 AM
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NOTHING FROM NOTHING
NOTHING FROM NOTHING - crap rap Paper doll - Nice gut-it-pez - crappiest song to ever exist in the entire planet Limit - just ok A mediocre potpourri of pure crap There you go!
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♬♪aijou de nuritsubushite
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#17
11th July 2008, 03:30 AM
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thanks but no thanks
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#18
11th July 2008, 04:51 AM
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 I haven't heard NOTHING FROM NOTHING in aaaaaaages but I kind of felt the same way...
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#19
11th July 2008, 05:42 AM
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there are two albums that i would come in a tie as my least favorites: GUILTY and Duty. even though i actually pop GUILTY into my cd player 100% more than Duty, i would have to agree with a couple of y'all and rant about it.
because lyrically, this album is SERIOUSLY lacking. and Duty is very fresh in that area. GUILTY 01. Mirror--a little weird at first, but i'm never one to oppose weirdness. imo, this prelude is just EVERYWHERE; there isn't any natural flow, it's slow then fast then slow again, and ayu's yelling all over the place...... but it works ^_^ rating: 3.5 out of 5 02. (don't) leave me alone--i will admit it's nice as really one of the only "pop" songs on the album. though i find it a bit generic and unoriginal (or maybe it's TOO original). at any rate, i can live without it and ayu looked weird in the pv. rating: 2.5 out of 5 03. talkin' 2 myself--at first i didn't care much for it when it came out and liked decision a lot more. there's something really cryptic about the lyrics which turned me off to it, but after a few listens they become pretty powerful and the chorus is amazing. rating: 4 out of 5 04. decision--i think ayu has rode out the rock ballad horse too much. i would've prefered that it come out maybe as a seperate single or not right after talkin' 2 myself. i believe it just blends into it and is pretty forgettable, but i still listen to it when it comes up. rating: 3 out of 5 05. GUILTY--gosh, i could go on forever about how much this song is lacking in EVERYTHING. but i'll just get my point across and say that it's a really bad song. rating: 1 out of 5 06. fated--ah, such perfection in the form of a ballad. i'll say it now, i'm a sucker for ballads. ayu always has at least one perfect ballad on an album and this one's it for me on GUILTY. i personally like the fact that she had this one come out during the summer... i feel like we've hadn't seen a powerful summer ballad since }{ (HANABI). the lyrics (or at least from the translation) are simple and convey its feeling very well and the composition and arrangement of the song is fantastic. rating: 5 out of 5 07. Together When...--well once ayu sings the bridge and chorus, this song gets interesting. but with the inaudible piano at the beginning and the slow verses, it's almost painful to get to the interesting parts. but i would have to give the pv two sensational thumbs up rating: 3.5 out of 5 08. Marionette -prelude---awesomely creepy. the little oboe or flute or whatever that comes in after the music box adds to it. and i would have to agree and say i would be scared poopless if i listened to it at night. rating: 3.5 out of 5 09. Marionette--the more i listen to this song, the more i like it. the last dark-sounding song she made was criminal from (miss)understood and imo, it was a failure. but i would give this one a big fat A and the pv gets a big fat A, too. its prelude wasn't overdone and really did a good job introducing it.rating: 4 out of 5 10. The Judgement Day--when i first read this on the tracklist, i thought it was fake and ayu went emo... but it wasn't and she didn't lol. i'm sure everyone gets that same feeling when they listen to it that someone's being judged and their all scared and shiz but then they end up going to heaven and it's all happy and techno-ish. ayu utilized different instruments (pipe organ and that creepy drumming in the beginning) and it really came together well. rating: 4 out of 5 11. glitter--coming next after 10 tracks of slow ballads and dark rock songs, this one came out of nowhere o_O i would say that it's a nice breath of fresh air from the previous songs. though out of the trifecta of summer songs, this would rank second. i think this song is peppy and memorable and just plain great! rating: 4 out of 5 12. MY ALL--it's cute and i would put it on her list of nostalgic songs. it has a nice flow and makes me wanna bounce as i listen to it. personally, i'm partial to Replace more than this one. obviously it holds some sort of place in ayu's heart since it brought her to tears CDL 07-08 so it must be good lol. rating: 3 out of 5 13. ReBiRTH--one word: B00!!!! rating: 1 out of 5 14. untitled ~for her~--i guess one could call me heartless for not loving this song since it was written for a very close friend of hers that died. i can empathize with the pain she must have went through, but i don't think her lyrics came through well in the song. it holds passion, anger, and maybe hope, but the song was too steady for me for all those different emotions. i prefer Memorial address over this one. rating: 3 out of 5 overall- obviously 2007 was not ayu's year (break-up with tomoya, death of close friend, etc.) and we could definately see her pain through this album. but personally, it was just too much of an overload of hopelessness, loss, and confusion. and then we have glitter thrown in there before ayu's drama and totally threw everyone off. i think that the songs that had pep like (don't) leave me alone, glitter, and MY ALL were there for the attempt to give the album some variation. but we all see right through avex's ploy XO! i think ayu should've waited to release this album until after she moved on from her pains. and we can see how much people felt the same by it breaking ayu's no. 1 album streak. though i would count fated as one of my most favorite ayu songs, the GUILTY album as a whole just sits well below par for me. rating: 6 out of 10 Last edited by Seiko Yua; 11th July 2008 at 05:49 AM.
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#20
11th July 2008, 06:06 AM
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Wow, I'm loving everyone's opinions! Now we just need LOVEppears, Duty, Memorial Address (it's an album as far as I'm concerned) and (miss)understood... most of the albums have been represented!
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